Family Room Update: Rug, Paint and Couches

I thought I’d pop in with another little family room update. I posted my vision board for this room a little while back and I’ve been slowly doing my research and ordering things as I see them. We made some progress on choosing some big items and I am super excited to see it coming together. In my opinion, I think it’s so important to take your time when creating a room, especially one that is a primary living space. Choosing things that you LOVE and will cherish is so important when creating the perfect area. This room is one that gets the most wear and tear by our kids and families and for that reason, I’m being extra mindful when choosing elements that not only reflect our personal style, but would be durable and withstand everyday life.

My first thought was to lighten up the room as it can be quite dark. Even with windows, the light streaming in seems to be at a minimum. I also wanted two couches that are kid-proof. Finally, J really wanted the TV hung over the fireplace, which would be located at the top of this picture (not shown).

To start, I researched a TON of durable couches, that also came in a long length. After going to a few stores and checking them out, we finally settled on Crate and Barrel’s Axis ii Grande couches in Camel. Their length of 105 inches will accommodate the many people who are often in this room. Plus, the clean lines and neutral color will work well in refreshes in years to come. We made a trip to Philly to view the couch in real, and I knew right away it was the one. TIP: Purchase a 15% off C&B coupon from eBay for about ten bucks. It will save you tons! But make sure to read the fine print before hitting “Place Order.”

They won’t be delivered until close to Christmas, but I think it’s worth the wait.

We also purchased two of these chairs from World Market on a great Columbus Day sale. I still stop and stare at them every time I go by. The rich, velvety shade of bluish-green, the shape, and the gold legs make this chair a winner. Today my parents stopped by and I could tell my mom wasn’t too sure what to make of them. That is, until she sat down. They are so comfy! Win-win in my book. Comfortable and full of style!

My rug search was ongoing, and I saw a few that I liked online (Wayfair, Joss & Main, Overstock, etc) but I wanted to make sure the colors were just right. Don’t you agree that it’s sooo hard to choose rugs that you can’t see in real? After posting a carpet recs post on Facebook, we were able to visit a local store and they had tons! Best part — they let us bring two home to make sure! Who does that?!? That said, I am so glad we did because I ended up choosing the rug that I didn’t originally think I would choose.

My wish was to find a large Persian rug (10×13) that was distressed. I wanted the base to be ivory, scattered with tans and taupes. A touch of grey would be fine, but J’s kitchen doesn’t have any grey and I want both rooms to coordinate. And….I found this one! It may appear grayish in the picture, but in person it’s not. We do need to order the larger size with a three week delivery timeline, but we aren’t in a rush.

The actual rug looks more like the one in the picture below.

I also posted about my end tables that I found on Craigslist. $40 bucks for the pair! Nobody in my world can see my vision, but that’s ok. I know they will be great! 🙂 My plan is to paint them a glossy white and add some new, chic gold hardware. I love the lines in the front, and the extra storage they will provide will be beneficial.

It was a little chilly today, but I started sanding them down with an electric sander. Next step is to clean them with mineral spirits and then paint when it’s a nice and warm(er) fall day.

Let’s talk about paint. I’ve had these six samples up on the wall for about two weeks and J still can’t tell the difference. But I can. I finally decided on Benjamin Moore’s Linen White (top middle) for it’s creamy color.

In addition to paint, J’s rockstar uncle is going to help me put up board and batten in the entrance/small hallway off the garage. This will serve as a “faux” mudroom. Since the painting swings around to that area, I thought it would be best to do it all at one time. Here’s an inspo picture I have posted on Pinterest, and I can’t wait to see it finished. I think it will add a nice dimension and separating point between that area and the family room. This is another reason for choosing a creamier white. I wanted a bit of contrast between the glossy white of the lower wall with the creaminess of the upper wall.

I’m constantly popping into my local Home Goods because you never know what they are going to have. Two accent pieces I picked up along the way were these framed geodes for the gallery wall and this magazine holder.

Last, I know I’m getting ahead of myself but when deals strike, you must jump. I really wanted to get matching Christmas stockings for all of us that would coordinate with the new room. I was looking all over, but kept coming back to the fur stockings from Pottery Barn. As luck would have it, J and I stopped by Pottery Barn to look at coffee tables and guess what they had??? Stockings! And they were on a killer sale. I purchased seven on the spot. I love how they are all different, but they all have the same cream-colored velvet top. I also found an embroiderer and she is going to embroider our names in a chocolate brown. I LOVE them! My plan is to wrap them up and have the kids open them on the day we get and decorate the tree.

So that’s about it for now. I’ve been very busy coordinating this room and it makes me so giddy to see it come together. J sometimes can’t believe how excited I get over rugs and end tables. As I said, we are not in a rush, but the timeline is working out perfectly.

Coffee table – Still looking for a narrow, long table. I don’t want anything too bulky or dark. I’ll keep you updated!

Rug – three week delivery time

Board and Batten – November, done by Thanksgiving

Paint – first week of December

End tables – will get done by me

Couches – we could have them for Christmas, but I’m not worried if they don’t come.

By the new year, it will be almost done. I am waiting until after everything is installed before I finish the gallery wall and add other accent pieces.